LeBron James has revealed he planned to finish his historic career with the New York Knicks – until their drought-ending NBA championship ruined the potential move.
Speaking at the Philadelphia 76ers media day, the four-time NBA champion revealed his intentions of heading to Madison Square Garden as a free agent.
However, once the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs to capture their first title in 53 years, James knew joining the champions would trigger major media backlash.
‘I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden. One of the best places I’ve ever played.
‘I think it’s the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like: ‘Hey, I can’t.’ I couldn’t do it’.
He continued by explaining that the moment New York lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy in June, he knew he would have to go elsewhere for his next chapter.
LeBron James has lifted the lid on why he abandoned his plans to join the Knicks
The 41-year-old joined the Philadelphia 76ers during the offseason after leaving the Lakers
‘Y’all wouldn’t have let me lay that down, at all. But much respect to the Knicks, obviously. An unbelievable team, unbelievable players. Shoutout Jalen Brunson.
‘I love that guy. He’s unbelievable. But, yeah, I’m happy where I’m at and I’m looking forward to it.’
James said his free-agency sweepstakes came down to five teams: the 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves.
He eventually inked a deal with Philadelphia, where he teams up with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown to chase a fifth ring.
Despite choosing Philly, James won’t be entirely absent from New York. He revealed he plans to split his time living in both cities while with the 76ers.
And fans won’t have to wait long to see James back under the bright lights of MSG, with the Sixers scheduled to visit the Knicks on opening night, October 20.
When asked by reporters how he’d fit in and what his role would be, James made it clear that he’s keeping an open mind on how he’s utilized.
‘Whatever the team needs for me to do,’ James said. ‘I think the luxury of my game is I can do everything. Literally, I can do everything.’
James admitted that the Knicks’ drought-ending NBA championship put an end to his hopes
As for what he hopes to accomplish this season, James made it clear he has title ambitions on his mind – adding that he left his family behind in Los Angeles to make the push.
‘In order for us to be great we have to do things that are just not comfortable. We have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, that is the best way to expedite being great,’ he told reporters.
‘You have to fall in love with doing things that’s uncomfortable. If we can do that, we can be a great team. If we don’t do that, then we’ll be like “oh man it was a great team on paper and we had a lot of great talent and we lost in the second round.”
‘I don’t want to do that. I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round, I know that.’
